Clemence Odin Rud

RUD, MAAKESTAD, LARSON, BREWSTER, WALSER

Posted By: Janet Koozer (email)
Date: 9/27/2008 at 20:00:53

Life-Long Resident of Lansing Dies Suddenly

Death Comes to C. O. Rud at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse Monday

Lansing community was greatly shocked Monday morning when it was announced that C. O. Rud had died at 9:45 a.m., at Lutheran hospital in La Crosse, where he had been taken a week ago. Death resulted from uraemic poisoning, caused by a cancerous tumor of the intestines, which had developed so rapidly that he could not be operated. His wife, brother and sisters, Dr. Fredrickson and wife were with him before he died. He had been feeling poorly only since Homecoming, and friends who did not know of his illness were stunned by his sudden passing.

Clemence Odin Rud was born in Lansing Nov. 18, 1880, being 58 years, 9 months and 10 days old at his death. All his life was spent in Lansing save while at St. OLaf College and five years residence in Sioux Falls, S. D. He graduated from Lansing High School in 1898, and after his college course, went to Sioux Falls and worked in a bank and for I. H. Co. He returned to Lansing about 1905 and bought a share of his father's Rud's Wagon Works, later assuming entire control. His father died March 1, 1921, a week after the big wagon factory had burned to the ground; his mother having passed away when a young woman of 39 years about 43 years ago. Two brothers who died in infancy, also preceded him in death.

On August 29, 1717, he was married at Lee, Illinois, to Miss Mertie Maakestad, who survives him. Mr. Rud died a day before their 22nd wedding anniversary. Also surviving are one brother, Leonard, and four sisters, Mrs. Genette Rud Larson, Mrs. Chas. Brewster, Miss Magdalene, all of Sioux Falls; and Mrs. Fred Walser, of Houston, Texas; all being present for his funeral.

After the factory burned, Mr. Rud conducted a general repair business in the old paint shop of the plant. About 15 years ago he took up the insurance business as agent for the New York Life, which he followed until his death.

Odin Rud was a progressive, model citizen in every sense of the word, and none knew him better or valued his friendship more than the writer, who was his seatmate in high school days. He was a good student, a great reader and possessed a fine library in his home, which was the joy and pride of both his wife as well as himself. As a horticulturist he had few equals-- his beautiful
flower garden gives testimony to this. A talented musician, he spent 45 years of his life in band and orchestra work, always giving freely of his services for any worth while local project for years he directed the choir at Memorial Day exercise, where his service will be missed when that date rolls around again, For 20 years he served as Sunday School Sup't at N. E. L. church and for 15 years was president of the church board. Secretary of the recent Homecoming, his untiring work doubtless hastened his illness, and his greatest regret was that his brother and sisters could not get here for that gathering. His bereaved wife has lost a kind and loving husband, the family a beloved brother, and the citizens of Lansing a real friend and neighbor in the truest and broadest meaning of those terms; and to those who mourn most deeply we join with hosts of others in extending our sincerest sympathy.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at N. E. L. church, where since his youth he attended faithfully, conducted by Rev. H. T. Braa of Decorah, who has been serving that congregation lately. The local Masonic Lodge, of which he was a member, will conduct their impressive service at the graveside in Oak Hill cemetery, where interment will be made in the family lot.

At the church service a special choir rendered three beautiful hymns -- "One Sweetly Solemn Thought," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and "Abide With Me." The singers were George Aschom, John Bjerke, Helmer Carlson, Dr. Fredrickson, T. M. Rickansrud, Lola Aschom, Martha Risansrud, Ada Bauman, Belle Gordon, with Edna Aschom as accompanist.

At the noon hour today, the band led by Supt. Rickansrud, marched in a body to the Rud home to
pay their last tribute to one of their most faithful members.

Casket bearers were Messrs. John Bjerke, Helmer Carlson, H. W. Gaunitz, Oscar Kerndt, Wm. H. Kehr and R. A. Dunevy.

Out of town relatives and friends in attendance at the funeral included Leonard O. Rud and wife, Mrs. Genette Rud Larson, sons Gerorge, Jr., Charles Brewster, wife, sons Charles, Jr., all of Sioux Falls; Mrs. Fred Walser, Houston, Texas.